Quantum combinatorial model of gene expression

Abstract

We propose that the DNA within the chromatin behaves as a dynamic combinatorial library capable of forming novel structures by reversible processes. We also hypothesize that states within the library may be linked via quantum tunneling. RNA polymerase then could scan these states and the system decoheres to the "appropriate" state. Two ways of sustaining quantum coherence at relevant time scales could be possible, first, screening: the quantum system can be kept isolated from its decohering environment, second, the existence of decoherence free subspaces .We discuss the role of superconductivity in context of avoiding decoherence in context of our hypothesis.